Cam Ward and 4 prospects every Giants fan should know for 2025 NFL Draft

New York Giants fans entered this season with modest expectations. While a Super Bowl run wasn’t on anyone’s radar, they hoped to see progress in key areas. Rookie standout Malik Nabers has delivered when on the field, and defensive backs Tyler Nubin and Dru Phillips look like they have the potential to be long-term starters.

While the rookie draft class has been impressive, the rest of the team hasn’t kept pace. At the halfway point of the season, the Giants sit at 2-9, have released Daniel Jones, field one of the league’s weakest interior defenses, and are staring down yet another rebuilding year.

As it stands, the Giants are in a strong position for the draft, holding the second overall pick. With needs across the board, they can stay at that spot and still secure a blue-chip prospect who can make an immediate impact at almost any position. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top prospects entering the draft this year.

5 prospects the NY Giants should target in 2025 NFL Draft

1. Miami: Cam Ward, QB

The quarterback class may not be the strongest this year, but one player has consistently been named QB1 by most analysts: Cam Ward from Miami. Ward has solid size, a strong (though not elite) arm, and the ability to make every throw. He excels at extending plays with his legs and takes care of the ball. Known for his accuracy and anticipation, Ward does have one area for improvement: learning when to let a play go and live to fight another down.

Ward’s gunslinger mentality often leads him to go for the home run on every play, which is when mistakes can occur. If the Giants manage to land Ward, they could pair him with an offense featuring Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Theo Johnson, and Tyrone Tracy. That would give the Giants a young, dynamic core to build around.

2. Michigan: Mason Graham, DT

This past offseason, the Giants hired former Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to take over the same role in New York. Along with his arrival, the team bolstered the secondary by adding rookies Tyler Nubin and Dru Phillips, both of whom have impressed so far. Despite being top five in the league in sacks, the Giants have struggled mightily against the run, ranking near the bottom, if not the worst, in that category.

When Dexter Lawrence is off the field, the Giants' defensive line struggles to hold its ground. While there are young pieces in development, the idea of pairing Michigan's Mason Graham with Lawrence in the middle is an exciting one.

Graham is a dominant presence, excelling against the run, generating pressure on pass plays, and absorbing double teams. With Graham commanding extra attention, Lawrence would have even more opportunities to disrupt offenses from the inside. Graham would be an instant starter and a game-changer for a defense in desperate need of help. If the Giants miss out on the top two quarterbacks in the draft, pivoting to Graham would still be a huge win.

3. Michigan: Will Johnson, CB

The Giants' secondary has struggled this season, with Deonte Banks enduring a disappointing sophomore campaign. Whether he can establish himself as the team’s CB1 moving forward remains uncertain. The CB2 position has been a constant issue, cycling through different players over the past few years. However, this draft offers the Giants an opportunity to address that need by targeting Will Johnson, who many regard as the best pure cornerback available.

Johnson has been a shutdown corner for Michigan, and if the Giants draft him, he would likely be a Week 1 starter opposite Deonte Banks. Pairing Johnson with Banks, Dru Phillips, and Tyler Nubin would give the Giants a strong young core in the secondary, guided by one of the league’s top secondary coaches, Jerome Henderson.

Johnson possesses everything teams look for in a cornerback, from size to play style, making him an ideal addition. With Johnson in the mix, the Giants could solidify a promising defensive backfield for years to come.

4. Ole Miss: Jaxson Dart, QB

As mentioned, the Giants are in need of a quarterback, and with several weeks remaining in the season, the draft order remains fluid. Currently sitting at pick No. 2, the Giants could look to address their QB dilemma in the second round. The general rule is to never draft solely for need or force a pick. If the top two quarterbacks are off the board in the first round, the Giants could shift their focus to Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart as a strong option in the second round.

Jaxson Dart has the tools to develop into a franchise quarterback at the NFL level. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he has an impressive frame, a strong arm, and underrated athleticism. This season, Dart has thrown for 3,409 yards and 22 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead an offense effectively.

While he might not be ready to start on day one, Dart could greatly benefit from sitting and learning behind a veteran bridge quarterback the Giants could sign in the offseason. Given a year under Brian Daboll’s guidance, Dart has the potential to grow into a reliable starter. He’s a prospect the Giants should absolutely have their eye on.

5. Kentucky: Deone Walker, DT

The Giants are in a prime position to land their next franchise quarterback or secure a defensive cornerstone with their top-five pick. If they select Cam Ward in the first round, they could shift their focus to the defense in the second round. One excellent option would be Deone Walker, the standout defensive tackle from Kentucky. Walker brings size, strength, and versatility to the table, making him a potential game-changer for the Giants' defensive line. Adding Walker after landing Ward would address two critical areas and set the Giants up for long-term success.

Walker is an absolute force on the defensive line. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 344 pounds, he is a mountain of a man with surprising agility for his size. Walker excels at clogging up run lanes and consistently commands double teams, freeing up his teammates to make plays. His pass-rushing ability is elite for a player of his size, and he uses his powerful hands to collapse the pocket effectively. Kentucky even trusts him to drop back in coverage on occasion, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.

Hopefully, Coach Bowen won't be asking Walker to drop into coverage too often, but his presence on the defensive line would free up Dexter Lawrence in ways Giants fans could only dream of. If Walker is still available when the Giants are on the clock in the second round, Joe Schoen should waste no time sprinting to the podium to secure him.

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